Meet the Pacers

I was burnt out racing marathons after Boston 2017 and wanted to give back and take the pressure off.

Pace leading is a fun & rewarding experience. I enjoy helping others reach their running goals by coaching/guiding thru the miles with metronome precision pacing. I’ve paced at River Bank 25k for the 7:00 min/mile team 6 times since 2007. My favorite fall event is the GR Marathon where I have been the 2:59 Pace Team leader for 11 straight Octobers. I've been an official marathon pacer 64 times & have always hit my time. Events in the Midwest where I've paced 5x or more include - Grand Rapids, Chicago, Indy Monumental, Akron, US Air Force, Carmel & River Bank 25k. My most notable pacing experience occurred at 2019 Indy Monumental Marathon as the 2:45 Pacer for the Women's Olympic Trials Qualifying Time. I helped 18 women hit an OTQ by running under 2:45:00 with a 2:44:34 official time - it was incredible! My totals are 138 marathons with 70 sub-3's under my belt. My PR is 2:37:32 at Indy 2010. Hope to catch you October 23 to run a 1:48 finish.

I've been running for over 10 years and enjoyed every step of the journey. I look forward to pacing events each year as a way to stay connected to the running community, and help other individuals accomplish their goals. I've had countless amazing pacing experiences on the streets on West Michigan and can't wait to add to them.

I've been racing for over a decade. Now that my life has gotten busier I don't have as much time to train to compete. I really enjoy giving back to the running community and helping others accomplish their goals!

Hey, Hey, let’s get our “River Bank on!” I’m looking forward to pacing with you. We’ve got a great team of seasoned (some of us are more seasoned - think older!) than others who will bring some chat, some music and laughs and insure your run is a good one!

Running side by side most of the 2004 RiverBank Run with an Elite woman from Boston - and then hearing the crowd when finishing strong - what a rush!

My first run was on a treadmill, and I only made it 30 seconds before I had to walk. Slow, but determined, I stuck with it and lost over 100 pounds. The River Bank Run 25k is the first race I ever signed up for, back in 2010, and it’s also the one that inspired me to start running fast. I set a goal of getting into the 2 Hour Club and made it on my first try; I haven’t looked back since! I’ve loved being a part of this race for the last decade; I’m looking forward to coming back as a Two Hour Club pacer for the seventh time to help others achieve their running goals!

I started taking endurance running seriously 10 years ago as a way to lose weight and get myself back in shape. I started with smaller distances and worked my way up to full marathons. Through this, I have been blessed to help others through pacing and race directing in West Michigan. I have been the pacing coordinator for the Amway River Bank Run for the last 5 years along with the race director for Rivertown Races and Lightpoint 5K. I am also an active member of Team Stellafly, a West Michigan mutli sport racing team. The joy of pacing and giving back to the running community is such a rewarding expereince. Let us do the work so you don't have to! We will keep it light at SUPER fun and get you to that 2 hour club!! See you at the starting line!

While running is a big passion of mine pacing races to help individuals achieve that goal that they set out for, that is what drives me to volunteer for these events. If you're looking for someone to entertain you while you push through that wall...I'm here for you! I started running in 2009 to help shed the weight and now 82 marathons later I’ll be running with you to that finish line. Looking forward to meeting many of you on that race morning as we setup for a successull 25K finish!`

As an avid Ironman and marathon competitor...I love all things endurance and challenging! I thrive on encouraging and pushing others to meet big goals... I'm a personal trainer and group exercise instructor..all day, everyday (I'm so blessed!) When I'm not working...you'll find me in the stands cheering on my kids in their own sports, training with great friends and enjoying time with my family. I wholeheartedly believe anything is possible...we are capable of much more than we ever think possible. Set goals, do the work, surround yourself with others who lift you up and most importantly...believe in YOURSELF!!

I’ve been running races for over 20 years. I’ve been pacing races for about 10 years. Ive paced 10 mile runs, half marathons and marathons. I’ve had a very rewarding experience helping other runners in west Michigan meet their goal times. See you in the 7:30 pace group at the start!

My first RBR 25k was in 2008 and I entered the two hour club in 2018. As a Grand Rapids resident, I have always enjoyed the community build up to the event and race day energy. The 25k sparked my interest in running longer distance events and I ran my first Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City in 2012. I got the itch to qualify for Boston, did so in 2014 and ran in the 2015 race. Had the opportunity to run Chicago as well in 2017. My last race before 2020 was the Lansing Capital City half in the fall of 2019 when I was five months pregnant. A finish line photo of a pregnant me crossing the finish line with my husband is up in my toddler’s room as our first family race. Some of my favorite races (other than RBR of course!) have been the Mackinac Island half marathon and 10k events.

17 years ago I wanted to run an Ironman triathlon and an ultra marathon with "don't laugh"- as I could not run 5 miles without stopping. It was a long but rewarding journey to complete 3 ironman, 7 half ironman, and 3 ultra marathons in the years that followed. Running at long distances can be a lonely soul-searching journey and hard to find similar journeymen/women. I've paced 15 various marathons, 25k's, half marathons and find pacing is a great way to give back, connect, and share success with others whether it's there first time or 40th+. Events like this are important parts of people's life stories - it's been part of mine since my grandfather ran it in the early 80's- I have his 1983 age group medal. It's an honor to share a piece of someone else's story and celebrate as they grit it out and cross the finish line.

Running since 2014 has changed my life. I've been lucky enough in these short five years to know the pain, work, sense of accomplishment and pure joy from meeting personal goals. I've had tons of help from friends, family, trainers and runners along the way, and I love to be in a position now to give back and help other runners meet their goals!

I would be very honored to be selected to be a pacer for the Riverbank run. I have previously paced this run two different years and I have really enjoyed the experience. It’s very special to be able to help people achieve their goals and also learn about different peoples stories. I also have paced multiple different races over the past few years, and every new race is a neat opportunity to continue to help people. I hope I can continue to be an encouragement to others, and I would be again honored to pace for the riverbank run.

Life long runner, GVSU Track Alum, and have finished multiple Marathons and Half Marathons. Excited to help other runners who are looking to accomplish a goal at the River Bank Run!

I've always been an avid runner, but injuries have kept me out of the game for the last decade. In 2021, I decided to train smarter and successfully ran an Ironman and Boston Marathon. If I can do it, so can you!

I grew up as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, and when I got to college, I was pretty sedentary. Thankfully, I began running in 2010 at age 24 when a coworker convinced me to sign up for a 5k. I fell in love with the race atmosphere immediately, so right after I crossed the finish line, I went home and signed up for another. Less than 3 months after that first 5k, I finished my first half marathon. Now, just over 8 years later, I have completed 49 half marathons, 5 River Bank Run 25Ks, and 19 marathons! (current as of December 2019 - lol) I guess you could say things escalated quickly. I have paced the last 3 River Bank Runs - Nothing compares to the positivity and support around the running world, and pacing is my way for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me! I’ve had the great pleasure and opportunity of pacing many other races as well, and I can honestly say that the experience of being a pacer and helping others achieve their goals are some of my favorite running memories, and I am looking forward to making more!

My first race was the first River Bank run in 1978. I have run a multitude of races since then. I volunteered at a race for the first time in 2002. This experience gave me a whole new perspective. I stated pacing in 2006 and have paced over thirty races. These include the marathon, the half marathon, and the River Bank Run 25K. Looking forward to running with you.

I had always wanted to be a runner, but used to struggle with the motivation or drive. Once I started, with endless support from my running community, running became a lifestyle! After my first marathon, receiving a Boston qualifier, I signed up to for the 2013 Boston Marathon! Unfortunately, due to the events that occurred that day, my experience is not one that I want to remember.  In the years since Boston, I have taken the focus off of racing and competing, and have put more energy towards helping other runners. I've paced the River Bank Run for the past few years, along with several other races, and this has given me a new purpose for running - helping other runners reach their goals. I hope to share my support and enthusiasm, and make the race a great experience from start to finish!

The River Bank Run always holds a special place in my heart as it was the first 5k road race I did back in high school and my first step into the distance running world back in 2012 when I jumped into the 25k for the first time. I enjoy running with many of the local running groups year round and love the family-like community we have with West Michigan Trail Runners and Wednesday Night Hills & Stairs. These groups have motivated me to set higher goals and ran right beside me to help achieve these goals. I hope I can help others achieve their goals at the 2020 Amway River Bank Run.

I love nothing more than being able to ensure participants reach their goals they've been training for all throughout the winter. I can't explain the feeling after crossing the finish line and getting several strangers thanking me for just being there with them encouraging them to finish ahead of me.

"My name is Amanda Lacy and I've been running for 14 years. I started running to get in shape and be active, but I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed it and found a deep passion for the sport. Over the years my reasons for pounding the pavement have changed. It isn't just physical exercise anymore; it makes me happy, gives me balance, I reconnect with myself, and it is a part of who I am. Of course, running isn't always blissful. It's hard and there are many ups and downs. It humbles you and you find yourself walking away from a run or race with your head down. But these struggles can also be amazing teachers. There are lessons to be learned and it builds mental toughness. Embrace it and keep moving forward. The greatest thing about running is you don't have to have a certain ""look"" to be a part of this amazing sport. You just have to be willing to get out the door and put one foot in front of the other! Then you'll find out just how rewarding running can be!"

I started running late in life, and never thought I would be a distance runner. In fact, I used to hate running, and I thought people who ran marathons were crazy! I started running when my youngest child started preschool. After several years of 5Ks, i ran my first half marathon in 2009. I trained completely on my own, did everything wrong, and still did ok! I caught the running bug, found training groups, and learned so many things from friends and mentors in the running community. Fast forward 13 years, and I have now completed 19 marathons, including 7 Boston Marathons, 10 River Bank Runs, and countless half marathons and other races. I would never have accomplished all of this without the love and support of the running community! Because of this, I want to help other runners achieve their goals. I love being a pacer for the 53 River Bank Run, because this race is such a big part of our community. I want to help other runners finish a 25K with a smile on their face, feeling strong, and having a sense of accomplishment from meeting their goal!

I've been running for the health of it for over a decade! I'm a certified running coach and love to help folks learn to love running and train for their first race. Fun Fact: I mention donuts a ton while running, but I don't eat them as often as one would think! My favorite post race treat is donut shaped but its actually a bagel (& a beer)!

I have been running for 2 years, went through a big transformation about 3 years ago, I use to weigh 220 pounds and now at 135. Running saved my life really! I have met so many amazing people in the running community! I have done all kinds if races from 5k’s up to 34, and even a 50 miler. I recently qualified for Boston and Chicago which I am super excited for! I have paced for the Grand Rapids Marathon and with many of my running friends to help them achieve their personal PR. I am a consistent runner and love to have fun and talk and just have fun!

I got back into running when my oldest son participated in high school cross country, and did my first RBR in 2011, for the American Red Cross. My only regret is that I didn't start 20 years earlier! Since then, I've run Riverbank multiple times on behalf of the Conductive Education Center, and this year will be my fifth time as a pacer for the 25K. I've also paced for the Bridge Run, and if you need a tune-up in April, I'll be a 10:00 pacer for the Rivertown Races half marathon. I always encourage people to come out for the group training runs, either at the downtown YMCA or at Perrin Brewing.

I began running in 2013 as a junior in college and was hooked after my first marathon. Since then, I have run 40+ marathons, several Riverbank 25Ks, and several other distance races. Although I enjoy competing, my favorite way to participate in races is by as a pace team leader. I love encouraging people to reach their goals in the sport I love. My favorite pacees are the first-time racers because during my first race, I needed the pacer to pull me through, and I hope I can do something similar for you!

I love to pace. The first time I qualified for Boston (like 20 years ago), it was a pace team that made it possible, and I've been pacing ever since. I created the pace teams for the Grand Rapids Marathon 18 years ago, and we were the first pace teams ever in West Michigan. Our pacing family has grown like a tree and has helped so many runners over the years. Marissa is my fiance, and we look forward to running with you at RBR!

Hello Everyone I am Ryan Wasson AKA "Ryno" I started Running in 2013 on a bet with my sister. I would have never guessed it would turn into such a passion of mine. I slowly started with 5ks, then a 10k, and ran my first half in 2014. In 2015 I ran 2 Marathons and was hooked. In 2017 I ran my first ultra marathon and have loved running the trails! I also love pacing as I get to help fellow Runners achieve their goals weather its finishing there first Race or getting a new PR. Last fall I was Lucky enough to attempt the Barkley Fall Classic in Tennessee, and completed a marathon finish there. I hope to go back in 2020 and attempt to get an ultra finish. I cant wait to share the race course with you all and hear all of your stories!

Hello! My name is Brandess and I am excited to join the Riverbank Run 25K pace team. I am not new to running, having completed race distances from 5K to 100 miles, and pacing is definitely one of my favorite things about being a part of the running community. I enjoy helping runners of all abilities reach their goals. Throughout my pacing experiences I have found that every runner I encounter has their own story to tell. I am honored to hear those stories and am continuously inspired be a part of their running journey.

I love to run but didn’t discover it until I was almost thirty. I believe you are never too old to find a new passion. I am truly passionate about running and feel it has changed my life. I have run 1 Ultra Marathon, 60+ marathons and lots of other distances. I have also dabbled in triathalons and duathalons to mix it up. My PR for a marathon is a 3:55 and PR for a half marathon is a 1:50. I have paced a number of races and find it to be incredibly rewarding. To support and give back to others in a sport I love is an amazing feeling. I am a member of the 50 States Club and I am a Marathon Maniac. To date, I have completed marathons in 35 states and love to travel. I find the best way to truly see a city is by foot.

I started running distance races in 1999 after being spurred on by a friend to do the Chicago marathon (yep---that was my first race ever). From there I kind of caught the competitive bug and began participating in triathlons and trail races to add some spice to my running fun. I have paced many half marathons and one marathon and I love helping people achieve their goals. I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my two dogs and I work as a health and wellness coach. I believe exercise saves lives ... and sanity, and makes a better world. Healthy body, healthy mind, happy people…better world!

I have been running for a lot of years and it such a blessing to be able to journey along side other runners to see their dreams realized as they cross the finish line for perhaps that first time or hit that goal time. Those runs are always the most fulfilling. It isn’t about me that day. It’s truly about pouring into the people around me to make it their most memorable race day ever!

I have been running for ~ 20 years and have completed 10 marathons, and ~ 80 Half Marathons. I enjoyed volunteering as a pace leader for 2019 River Bank 25K and several half marathons in Kalamazoo, Toledo, Indianapolis. I am excited about the opportunity to pace 2020 River bank 25K Run. I look forward to running with you to achieve our goals and hoping to make it a fun and memorable experience.

" I am a professional musician. Music is my life, my work and my passion. Running has helped me remain fit and meet the physical demands and endurance that is required for my work as a musician. Without going into details, this year, running may have saved my life, or at the very least gave me a huge health issue alert. I am thankful to be a runner. I have completed many races, but there are two that stick out in my mind; my first Riverbank Run and my first marathon (Chicago). Though I ran much faster races in years to come, nothing will ever match the firsts. Finishing my first Riverbank Run was in my mind, the defining moment. I am officially a distance runner. This was what gave me the confidence to fulfill a childhood dream of running a marathon, a dream I almost completely forgot about over the years. When I was a small child, I saw Frank Shorter on a black and white television win the silver in the Montreal Olympics. I wondered why there was no women's marathon event. Back then the conventional wisdom was that women could not run that far or would hurt themselves doing so. Even as a kid, I thought Frank Shorter did not look like he was having an easy time, and I was quite sure anyone (man or woman) could do this without hurting themselves if they went slow enough. Anyway, that was my logic and now my motto. This is why I love to pace and why I really like to pace the slower groups. It is not only because I am a slower runner, but because slower groups are where you will find many first-timers. I want to see people be as happy and joyful as I was when I finished those races for the very first time. I generally don't race anymore as I know my PR days are over and I want to keep running for as long as possible. I therefore enjoy pacing and helping people get to the finish. "

I went to college in Grand Rapids and always thought it a bustling city. I love to run, mostly just for the sake of doing it. It puts more life in your years. My favorite people to pace are those struggling or setting new goals. We inspire each other. I love to run!

You would never guess, but I used to dislike running - it reminded me of gym class! Little did I know that running, let alone pacing, would later become a passion. I started by putting one foot in front of the other and never giving up, even when I encountered challenges. Running has taught me to look at challenges as opportunities. To this date, I have participated in over 60 long distance races and paced 35 of them, the most recent being the 2019 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, a race I will never forget! The River Bank Run was both my first long distance race and my first race as a pacer, so this race has special meaning for me. The local running community is awesome and I guarantee you will all make at least one new friend on the course! The River Bank Run is no exception! If you want to run with me, be ready for bad jokes and singing! At the same time, I appreciate the hard work it takes to get to the start line, so I want to help you in any way I can to get you to the finish line. I hope to see you out there!